We are interested in getting a great dane puppy. We already have a 4 year old female beagle that is very wary of other dogs, but has NEVER been aggressive and does eventually warm up to other animals. We also have two cats that are fine with other animals. Would it be better to get a female or male great dane, given our current pet situation?

I would go with a male. A male and a female are far more likely to settle into a partnership rather than compete for dominance. 2 females are the most likely to have problems.

The puppy will see the cats and older dog as replacements for the litter mates it has enjoyed rough play with all its life. They likely will not be interested. If not, give the puppy a sharp ''Ah, ah, ah!'' every time it starts for one of them.

Oung Labs, which I know best, and other puppies tend to very bad about
Biting. You see a litter of them, and all the ones that are awake are biting
Another one or themselves. I am not even sure they realize that when they are
Alone, if they quit biting, they would quit being bitten. At 3 to 4 months
They are getting their adult teeth, and it seems they spend every waking
Moment biting or chewing. One thing you can do at that stage is to knot and wet a piece of cloth. Then freeze it. The cooling will soothe the gums. Only let the puppy have it when you are there to watch it. I maintain a Lab's favorite chew toy is another
Lab. Otherwise they settle for any person they can. They keep hoping to find
One that won't yelp and jerk their hand away, or growl "Bad dog." and clamp
Their mouth shut. Then offer a chew toy. They keep trying despite hundreds
Of corrections. Another good technique is to quit playing and go away. Be
Sure to praise them when they are playing nice and not biting.

You just have to keep on correcting them, hundreds of times, not dozens.
Provide sturdy, safe toys such as Kongs and Nylabones. Avoid things they can
Chew pieces off and choke on them. Keep them away from electrical cords.
Crates are essential for most young Labs and other dogs.

The pet stores are full of toys that many dogs will quickly chew up into
Pieces they could choke on or cause intestinal blockages. If you are not
There to watch, stick to sturdy stuff such as Nylabones and Kongs. Keep a
Close eye on chew toys and quickly discard anything that is coming apart in
Pieces. Rawhide is especially bad because it swells after being swallowed.
These problems are the worst with, but not limited to, large, aggressive
Chewers such as Labs.

Be sure to check the sticky starting at https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/dogs/i...tml#post251802 before getting the new puppy.